Description

For the first time, the complete collection of the Collins Field Guides’ incredibly detailed, accurate and beautiful bird paintings has been brought together in one comprehensive volume.

This all-encompassing new guide is an extraordinary addition to the world-renowned series – the ultimate reference book for birdwatchers and bird lovers. It covers every species of the world’s birds – all 10,711 species are featured covering the complete International Ornithological Union Checklist of Birds of the World.

With a total of 301 full-colour plates this is a visual feast, as well as an authoritative resource. It illustrates all male breeding plumages, and females if significantly different, for every species, alongside concise text covering defining identification characteristics, distribution and voice. Illustrated by the world’s leading bird artists: Norman Arlott, Ber van Perlo, Gustavo Carrizo, Aldo A. Chiappe, Luis Huber and Jorge R. Rodriguez Mata.

Publisher Review

'A superb piece of work, packaged and produced with typically lofty Collins standards. It really does look the part, having been so thoughtfully put together, and it oozes authority and class. It is a hugely impressive book ... The plates are a joy to behold. Little space is spared, with each packed to the rafters with depictions of every species covered - in many cases twice, where sexes differ sufficiently to merit recognition. They feel busy yet not chaotic; each has been carefully constructed so as not to inhibit identification of the species shown, nor detract from their overall impact ' Josh Jones, Bird Guides Praise for Norman Arlott '[Arlott's paintings] are not only accurate (which is the most important thing), but I find them very attractive as well. . . . I would highly recommend' Grant McCreary, Birder's Library 'A real treasure. . . . Simple and simply beautiful.' Robert Mortenson, Idaho Birding blog 'A must for the travelling birder.' BBC Wildlife